Relaxing Eye Masks

These masks are filled with dry lentils and dried lavender flowers! The comfortable pressure across the eyes combined with the beautifully relaxing aroma of lavender makes them a perfect accessory when catching up on some beauty sleep! They can be warmed in the microwave, or chilled in the refrigerator to obtain a desired comfort. I had fun making these eye masks in different varieties, some reversible and some with ribbon rather than fabric ties- even one with an elastic band!  I'm going to toss one in my over night bag to take to the hospital for that first night, or day when I'm trying to catch a nap, following labor and delivery- probably the lace one; it's my favorite!

Where did I get the idea for these eye masks? Well...

According to all the Joanns sale flyers in my mail box, September is national sewing month. 

Happy Sewing Month Everybody! 

According to Craft Buds, September is Craft Book month. 

Happy Crafting via Craft Book Everybody!

In honor of the fabulously dubbed crafting and sewing month: September, 

I pulled out an excellent book gifted to me by my grandmother:

Stitch by Stich by Deborah Moebes

Not only does this learn to sew book start out slow, walking the reader through understanding fabric, sewing supplies, and sewing machines, it offers step by step pictured tutorials to create a variety of sewing projects! Napkins, totes, belts, pillows, skirts, blouses... It even includes a CD with fun things like pdf patterns and applique designs!
**Edit added 9/30: Upon further exploration, I realize that most of the patterns on the CD appear smudged and jumbled. If you buy this book, save the receipt because you can't make any of the projects without the patterns. Boo. 

I flipped through the pages and came across instructions for a relaxing eye mask. The lesson boasts skill building in stitching curves, filling and stuffing, and using the slip stitch. Ok, so I could use a little practice with the slip stitch... but mostly, I was drawn to this project because I knew it wouldn't take very long and I'd love the result!

I'm also en route to link up this post at the Craft Buds Craft Book Project Link Up! I just think it's fun to participate and admire other crafters handiwork, but I know there are cool prizes up for grabs too. So if you've created something from a craft book, head on over before it's too late so you can play along too!